As a Yorkie owner, I want to say "thank you" to the reputable breeders in this forum that continue to try to explain to all these "breeder wannabes" the importance of breeding to the standard. There is a standard for a reason. If you don't like the Yorkie standard, don't breed. Period.
Personally, I have bought each of my Yorkies from reputable breeders, that strive to breed to the standard. No, my Yorkies are not perfect, but they are beautiful and more importantly, they're healthy, thanks to their breeders.
I think, there are an awful lot of Yorkies in rescue, because people look at the pictures of the Yorkie, and when the dog doesn't measure up, they're disappointed. If you want a quality Yorkie, you have to go to a quality breeder.
I applaud the breeders in this forum that continue to "try" to educate us.
I don't breed. It's hard work, lots of education, research, and bucket loads of tears. (and extremely expensive!!!)
We set a high bar for breeders. We expect so much of them, but when they try to help us, we criticize. Not fair.
These are living beings that are being brought into the world. Does anyone really want to risk a health defect, just to breed their pet, once?
One of my Yorkies is show quality. The owner of her sire tried to convince me to breed her years ago. I declined because I just didn't feel I had enough knowledge. I was afraid to risk her or her babies.
I've had Yorkies for over 25 years, and I still continue to learn.
I hope the breeders in this forum won't give up on us.
Sheila
P.S. Kathy, my dad used to say (many) years ago, when I was growing up, "If you're not part of the solution, you're part of the problem." You brought back some fond memories in your post.
